Summary

The combination of the time and spatial dimensions permits the performance of two distinct types of change analysis: the change in the patterns of distribution of the properties of spatial features and the simulation of movements in space.

This Unit presents several methodologies to investigate these two approaches. The spatial change analysis concentrates on how space evolves throughout time by the identification of local and regional change components. It makes use of the change indices presented in lesson 8 and explores the spatial distribution of these changes in terms of intensity and direction of change. On the other hand, the modelling and simulation of movements in space deal with the process of space accessibility. Cellular automata and diffusion models offer tools for analysing spatial growth processes, whereas accessibility processes can be analysed with the use of concepts such as the cost distance, frictions, barriers, and anisotropic properties of space.